LIMA (PERU) – Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets again on Saturday in rallies against President Manuel Merino, amid the abrupt ouster of former president Martin Vizcarra.
Protesters jammed many plazas in downtown Lima in the afternoon, with demonstrations beginning peacefully.
At least one man was shot dead and three others were injured in the increasingly violent riots, according the Ombudsman’s Office in Lima.
Protesters faced police, throwing rocks and fireworks at them, and tear gas was aimed back at them.
The city echoed with sirens, shouts and chants of protesters demanding Merino´s removal.
“This was a constitutional change,” Flores-Aráoz said. “We ask people for understanding. We don´t want to descend into chaos and anarchy.”
Sonia Julca, an economist from the University of Callao, said, “Given the situation, young people cannot be indifferent, we must demand respect. The people are against this government led by Merino.”
Merino, a member of the center-right Popular Action party who had been the head of Congress, swiftly was sworn in a new cabinet this week after Vizcarra was removed on Monday.